Katie McCabe nominated for the Women's Ballon d’Or

Katie McCabe has become the first Irish footballer to be nominated for the prestigious Women's Ballon d’Or award.

The Republic of Ireland international has impressed for both club and country in 2023, scoring some brilliant goals at important times for both.

The Arsenal midfielder won the Goal of the season award for the Women's Super League and helped the Gunners reach the semi-finals of the Champions League in the process.

While for her country, the Dublin native was instrumental in leading Ireland to this summer's World Cup and scored their only goal of the tournament directly from a corner, which was also in contention for the Goal of the tournament.

McCabe played the full 90 minutes for Arsenal in their 3-0 win over Linkoping on Wednesday and speaking to Arseblog news shortly afterwards, she spoke of her pride at being shortlisted for the World player of the year award.

"It’s a first for an Irish women’s player so it’s a really nice accolade on a personal level but you can never achieve those things without your teammates," admitted McCabe.

"For me it is always about the team and how we compete and win trophies together, that is why I play a team sport. I love picking up trophies with my teammates but it is always nice to be nominated for a Ballon D’Or- though I think it’s the first time I have said that.

McCabe was also asked how much rest she had after the World Cup in which she added; "I think I had about a week off! A week and a half.

"I took myself away by myself and didn’t talk to anyone for a week, it was great! I took myself away to switch off because I knew would be massive coming back and having to be on our A game right from the off, you’re playing and training with the best players in the world and you